Description
Creamy cheesy chicken pasta recipe brings comfort to dinner tables with its rich, indulgent flavors. Cheese lovers will savor each bite of this classic Italian-inspired dish that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Sear chicken cubes with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking until golden and fully cooked through, approximately 6 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pan, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Gently pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, allowing mixture to simmer and slightly thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, whisking continuously until sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Incorporate cooked pasta into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each noodle is evenly coated with the rich mixture.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Customize the cheese blend by mixing different varieties like sharp cheddar, mild mozzarella, or creamy gouda for a unique flavor profile.
- Reduce calories by using Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, maintaining the creamy texture with less fat.
- Transform this into a gluten-free dish by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Enhance protein content by incorporating additional lean protein sources like diced turkey or white beans for vegetarian adaptations.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg